Liverpool Legends 2-0 Celtic Legends: Gerrard & Gonzalez seal victory for Reds
By Tom Gott
Steven Gerrard was on the scoresheet for Liverpool Legends on Saturday as a team of ex-Reds saw off Celtic Legends 2-0 at Anfield.
Liverpool host an annual charity game full of legends to raise money for the LFC Foundation and various other charities, with a Celtic lineup making the trip down to Anfield this year.
Managed by a combination of Sir Kenny Dalglish, John Aldridge, John Barnes, Ian Rush, Liverpool's main attraction was the return of Gerrard who, aside from being a Reds legend, is also a former manager of Celtic's arch rivals, Rangers. Unsurprisingly, he received a mixed reception from those in attendance.
The Scottish side had the ball in the back of the net early, only for the offside flag to spoil their celebrations, and Gerrard would rub salt in the wounds by netting from the penalty spot soon after.
Gerrard immediately cupped his ears towards the Celtic fans, having been seen taunting the travelling supporters throughout in response to some less-than-friendly chanting.
Liverpool Legends starting XI: Westerveld, Kvarme, Skrtel, Klavan, Hyypia, Vignal, Diao, Adam, Gerrard, McManaman, Kuyt.
Subs: Dudek, Riera, Gonzalez, Sissoko, Garcia, McAllister, Aurelio, Cisse, Keane.
Celtic Legends starting XI: Boruc, Lustic, Petrov, O'Dea, Ledley, Crosas, Izaguirre, Wallace, McGinn, Vennegoor of Hesselink, Keane.
Subs: Given, Naylor, Brattbakk, Donnelly, Donati, Loovens, Sinclair, Vega, Ferry.
Mark Gonzalez netted straight after the restart to put Liverpool two goals ahead. The former Chile international netted three goals for the Reds in 36 appearances and has since scored more goals for the Legends side than he did for the first team.
The second half also saw Robbie Keane don his Liverpool shirt, having represented Celtic in the first 45 minutes.
Celtic had a further two goals chalked off after the break but Liverpool were largely on top throughout and were the ones celebrating when all was said and done.